The attack was the bloodiest in Iraq in 2010 and took place during the
annual Shi'ite pilgrimage. Officials said they expect the Al Qaida network
to sustain mass-casualty strikes against Shi'ite and government targets.
Al Qaida has employed female suicide bombers to penetrate Iraqi
security, officials said. They said the bomber concealed the explosives belt
underneath a black cloak, the type of which is worn by devout Muslims.
In February 2009, a female suicide bomber blew herself up, killing 40
Shi'ites in Karbala. Officials said police lacked women officers to search
people at checkpoints.
"Terrorist groups have come up with ways to hide explosive substances
that cannot be detected with bomb detector sets," Al Atta said.
The Iraq Army has expanded training of women soldiers, the first course
of which took place in June 2009. On Jan. 27, 65 women recruits began basic
combat training in Baghdad, which included weapons skills and search
operations. So far, 125 women have completed the 45-day course.
"They will be responsible for searching females at checkpoints as well,"
Iraq Army Maj. Gen. Samir Al Basha, commander of the training directorate,
said.
